Chapter Text
Chloe whined dramatically, sinking further into her massive, silk-covered bed. Her body ached, her head pounded, and her throat felt like she had swallowed a bucket of sandpaper. It was official—she was dying.
She let out a raspy cough, sniffling miserably. "Ugh, this is horrible."
Pollen, perched delicately on the bedside table, tilted her tiny head in sympathy. "I understand, my Queen. You have quite the fever." She carefully hovered up, adjusting the damp cloth on Chloe’s forehead. "But you must rest if you wish to recover."
Chloe sighed heavily. "I know, but it’s *so* boring. And I feel awful! Ugh, I knew this was coming. The second Dupain-Cheng coughed on me, I just knew." She let out another exaggerated sigh, draping the back of her hand against her forehead. "But did I flee? No! Did I abandon my poor, defenseless, girlfriend in her time of need? No! And now look at me!"
Pollen smiled politely. "You were very wonderful, my Queen."
Chloe weakly grinned. "Obviously. I am amazing like that."
Pollen giggled softly and flew closer. "Would you like some more tea?"
Chloe huffed, shifting under her gold-trimmed blanket. "I guess. If I have to suffer, at least let me suffer with a proper honey infusion."
Pollen nodded and zipped off toward the small tray of tea on the other side of the room. Chloe took the moment to let out another miserable groan, curling into her pillows.
Like she told Pollen, she had figured she’d get sick. Marinette had been disgustingly contagious, and Chloe had spent two full days within breathing distance of her fever-ridden mess of a girlfriend. But still, she had been hoping for a miracle.
Apparently, the universe hated her.
But—she didn’t regret it.
Not one bit.
Because when Marinette had been weak, burning up and struggling to take care of herself, Chloe had been there. She had done something good.
She was able to help her get better.
And if she had to suffer a few days in exchange? Fine. She’d do it all over again.
Chloe sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. After a short time, she heard an odd noise near the door—a tiny chime, followed by a soft click.
Her eyes fluttered open just in time to see a small, red figure slip straight through the door.
"Tikki?" she rasped.
Pollen, who had just returned with the tea, turned as well. "Tikki? What are you doing here?"
The little kwami smiled mischievously. "Oh, just unlocking the door for someone special."
Chloe blinked. "What?"
And then the door swung open.
Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the hallway light, was Marinette.
Wearing a very similar nurse outfit to the one Chloe had worn just days before.
Chloe’s fever-addled brain short-circuited.
Marinette stepped forward, a gentle, affectionate smile gracing her lips. "Don’t worry," she said softly. "Nurse Marinette is here to take care of you."
Chloe gawked. "What the actual—"
Before she could finish, Marinette was at her bedside, placing a hand on Chloe’s burning forehead.
"Oh, Chloe," she murmured, pouting playfully. "You’re *so* warm. You’re not okay, are you?"
Chloe sputtered. "I—what—Of course I’m not okay! You’re copying me!"
Marinette’s smile turned teasing. "What? You got to be the nurse for me, so I figured I should return the favor."
Chloe’s face burned—whether from fever or something else entirely, she wasn’t sure. "You’re joking."
Marinette smirked. "Nope."
Chloe gaped at her. "Oh my goodness, you are the worst."
Marinette leaned down slightly, cupping Chloe’s warm cheek with tenderness. "Mmm. Maybe. But I’m also your nurse."
Chloe gulped.
Pollen and Tikki exchanged a knowing glance.
Marinette adjusted the blankets around Chloe, her expression softening. "I’m being serious, Chloe. You took care of me when I felt like I was dying. Now it’s my turn."
Chloe groaned and let her head fall back against the pillows. "Ugh. Fine. Do whatever you want."
Marinette giggled. "I was going to anyway."
Chloe rolled her eyes. As embarrassing as this was, as *ridiculous* as it was, part of her was relieved.
Relieved that Marinette was here.
Marinette picked up a nearby washcloth, dipping it into a cool bowl of water before carefully wiping down Chloe’s forehead and neck. The sensation sent a pleasant shiver through Chloe’s fevered skin.
She sighed. "You better not take any pic—"
Marinette cut her off by pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
Chloe immediately shut up.
Marinette pulled away, smiling knowingly. "I won’t. Just relax, Chloe. I’m here now."